DFSPX vs. VSGX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

DFSPX (DFA International Sustainability Core 1 Portfolio) and VSGX (Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. Over the past 5 years, DFSPX returned 7.33%/yr vs 7.82%/yr for VSGX. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFSPX charges 0.24%/yr vs 0.12%/yr for VSGX.

Performance

DFSPX vs. VSGX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA International Sustainability Core 1 Portfolio (DFSPX) and Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF (VSGX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFSPX achieves a 5.54% return, which is significantly lower than VSGX's 15.88% return.

DFSPX

• 1D: -0.99%
• 1M: 1.13%
• YTD: 5.54%
• 6M: 8.11%
• 1Y: 18.29%
• 3Y*: 16.79%
• 5Y*: 7.33%
• 10Y*: 9.25%

VSGX

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: 5.38%
• YTD: 15.88%
• 6M: 18.28%
• 1Y: 32.42%
• 3Y*: 19.80%
• 5Y*: 7.82%
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

DFSPX vs. VSGX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
DFSPX DFA International Sustainability Core 1 Portfolio	5.54%	32.97%	4.99%	18.37%	-17.70%	12.12%	11.64%	24.22%	-15.15%
VSGX Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF	15.88%	30.77%	5.72%	15.62%	-18.61%	7.24%	13.01%	23.04%	-12.87%

Correlation

The correlation between DFSPX and VSGX is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 21, 2018	0.95

The correlation between DFSPX and VSGX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFSPX vs. VSGX — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

DFSPX

DFSPX Risk / Return Rank: 21
DFSPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
DFSPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
DFSPX Omega Ratio Rank: 20
DFSPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
DFSPX Martin Ratio Rank: 24

VSGX

VSGX Risk / Return Rank: 58
VSGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
VSGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VSGX Omega Ratio Rank: 61
VSGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
VSGX Martin Ratio Rank: 57

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

DFSPX vs. VSGX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA International Sustainability Core 1 Portfolio (DFSPX) and Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF (VSGX). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	DFSPX	VSGX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.29	1.99	-0.70
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.88	2.76	-0.89
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.36	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.59	2.54	-0.95
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.87	9.87	-4.00
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DFSPX vs. VSGX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFSPX Sharpe Ratio is 1.29, which is lower than the VSGX Sharpe Ratio of 1.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFSPX and VSGX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DFSPX	VSGX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.29	1.99	-0.70
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.46	0.48	-0.02
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.57	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.57	0.51	+0.06

Drawdowns

DFSPX vs. VSGX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFSPX drawdown since its inception was -35.86%, which is greater than VSGX's maximum drawdown of -33.09%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFSPX and VSGX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFSPX	VSGX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.86%	-33.09%	-2.77%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.96%	-12.84%	+0.88%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.72%	-13.83%	+1.11%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.68%	-32.14%	-0.54%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.86%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.97%	-0.89%	-2.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.21%	-7.77%	+0.56%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.23%	3.29%	-0.06%

Volatility

DFSPX vs. VSGX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for DFA International Sustainability Core 1 Portfolio (DFSPX) is 4.57%, while Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF (VSGX) has a volatility of 6.00%. This indicates that DFSPX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VSGX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFSPX	VSGX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.57%	6.00%	-1.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.12%	14.12%	-2.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.80%	16.36%	-1.56%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.11%	16.30%	-0.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.25%	18.04%	-1.79%

DFSPX vs. VSGX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFSPX has a 0.24% expense ratio, which is higher than VSGX's 0.12% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

DFSPX vs. VSGX - Dividend Comparison

DFSPX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.87%, which matches VSGX's 2.85% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFSPX DFA International Sustainability Core 1 Portfolio	2.87%	3.06%	3.06%	2.59%	2.27%	2.64%	1.44%	2.52%	2.60%	2.32%	2.48%	2.43%
VSGX Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF	2.85%	3.23%	3.10%	2.77%	2.61%	2.49%	1.67%	2.28%	0.38%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFSPX and VSGX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, DFSPX and VSGX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, DFSPX or VSGX?

VSGX has higher volatility (6.00%) compared to DFSPX (4.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFSPX dropped -35.86% vs VSGX's -33.09%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VSGX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.99 vs 1.29), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.